Leaders there say the poor economy is sending ever more people to their door.

"We are turning away approximately 10 to 15 families per day," the Rev. Chico Daniels, president of Mel Trotter, said this morning at a press conference at the Grand Rapids Police Department.

Mel Trotter normally gives out about 50 food boxes per day to those in need, but the demand is soaring beyond that, Daniels said.

"This is not the first time we have turned people away, but the numbers we are facing right now are unique," Daniels said. "We have not seen these numbers too much in history."

The city police and fire departments are teaming to coordinate the two-week food drive. Barrels to collect non-perishable items will be placed at the city's 11 fire stations, the police department and city hall.